Perfect Pairings: 8 BEST Side Dishes to Serve with Lumpia

Lumpia is a very popular snack in the Philippines made with vegetables wrapped around either pork, beef, or chicken.

They are then deep-fried until golden brown.

Lumpia are usually eaten fresh and hot off the pan with some sweet chili sauce which balances out the grease from frying it.

The mixture of the vegetables, meat, and sauces all rolled up in one bite makes Lumpia something truly amazing and delicious.

Lumpia has a distinct flavor and taste, different from other snacks like spring rolls, egg rolls, etc.

They are like a more flavorful version of egg rolls.

There is no better accompaniment to Lumpia than some tasty garlic rice and one of the best side dishes you can find in the Philippines, Tinolang Manok, a chicken soup with lots of ginger and green onions that makes it unique.

So if you like spring or egg rolls, you will love Lumpia.

In this article, we will explore what Lumpia is, its flavors, and the best side dishes to serve with it.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Lumpia?

Lumpia makes a great appetizer, but it can also serve as the main course and complement side dishes.

Lumpia has many different fillings so that it can pair well with a variety of side dishes.

The first thing you might want to consider is the texture.

Lumpia has a crispy exterior, so it will pair well with some light, refreshing side dishes.

If you’re serving Lumpia as the main dish, these might include a light salad or a crisp vegetable side.

If you want to serve Lumpia as an appetizer, then heavier side dishes might be better.

Consider including rice and other starches – Lumpia is traditionally served with white rice.

Also, think about including some saucy side – Lumpia is great finger food, and you might want to provide dipping sauces for your guests.

Another reason to pair Lumpia with side dishes is to add some balance of flavor.

The flavors in Lumpia are generally savory, so you might want to include something sweet or sour in your side dishes.

What to Serve with Lumpia? 8 BEST Side Dishes

Here are some examples of Lumpia side dishes that go well together.

1 – Crispy Fried Vegetables

This traditional Filipino side dish is a great, savory addition to any meal.

In particular, it pairs well with Lumpia.

You can include the vegetables raw in the lumpia itself or fry them separately and serve as a side dish.

Frying vegetables is easy to do if you have a deep fryer.

Just toss the raw vegetables into some oil that’s heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

You’ll want to cook them until their golden brown, which usually doesn’t take more than five minutes.

This side dish is also very good with fried rice.

It can be served with Lumpia or eaten on its own for a light meal.

2 – Fried Rice

Fried rice pairs well with Lumpia because the flavors go together.

Lumpia is generally savory, containing meat or vegetables seasoned with soy sauce, vinegar, and spices to make it flavorful without being spicy.

When you serve fried rice as the main side dish along with Lumpia, these strong flavors are balanced out by each other.

The dish is also filling enough that it can serve as a meal.

Lumpia fried rice, in particular, combines the flavors of both dishes while cutting down on steps and making one tasty dish.

Fried rice is easy to make, too.

Cook some white or brown rice according to the package’s instructions and stir-fry some vegetables or meat in oil or butter.

Then, add the rice into the pan and season with soy sauce, onions, garlic powder, or other spices that you think might go well together.

3 – Fresh Salad

Salads are light and refreshing side dishes that go well with Lumpia.

Lumpia is usually served as an appetizer, so you might want to make the side dish fresh and crisp like a salad.

Salads can be dressed in any way you like; if you’re serving this side dish with Lumpia, consider using a sweet or sour dressing to cut the savory taste of the Lumpia.

Fresh salads are very easy to make.

Lettuce, tomato, and other vegetables can be chopped up and mixed with a light dressing like vinegar or oil and spices.

4 – Chinese Egg Drop Soup

Egg drop soup is a traditional Chinese dish that goes well with Lumpia.

The soup is light and flavorful without being too heavy, so it can balance out the Lumpia for an appetizer or be eaten as its side dish.

This side dish only takes about 20 minutes to make, so it’s great if you’re pressed for time.

Add some eggs to a saucepan and beat them up, then add chicken broth and spices like ginger, garlic powder, or black pepper to give the soup flavor.

Let the broth boil for about 5 minutes before adding vegetables like carrots or onions.

Once they’re in, pour it all into a bowl and serve immediately.

5 – Choy Sum with Garlic Sauce

Choy Sum with Garlic Sauce is a traditional Chinese side dish that’s great with Lumpia.

The vegetables are especially crunchy, and the garlic sauce adds flavor without being too heavy.

This side dish can be served hot or cold, but it tastes best at room temperature, making it perfect for parties where people will be coming and going and taking their food with them.

Blanch the vegetables for 30 seconds, toss them in a bowl with the garlic sauce, and then enjoy.

6 – Fried Wontons

Fried wontons go well as a side dish with Lumpia. They’re crunchy and savory, so they taste great without being too heavy.

Making fried wontons is quick and easy- just take some ground pork, marinated veggies, and pre-made wonton wrappers and fry them together in some oil.

Then, simply serve the fried wontons with a sweet sauce like duck sauce or a spicy Thai chili sauce.

7 – Atchara

Atchara is a Filipino side dish made from pickled vegetables.

It’s crunchy and refreshing, so it tastes great with Lumpia because it cuts down on the heaviness of the fried food.

This side dish is very easy to make – just marinate some chopped-up carrots or papaya in vinegar, salt, and sugar for an hour or two before serving.

The pickling process takes some time, but you can enjoy the side dish now.

You can also store it in the fridge to enjoy later.

8 – Pan de Sal

Pan de Sal is a traditional Filipino bread that goes well with Lumpia.

The sweet, fluffy bread tastes great when dipped in condensed milk, and it balances out the savory flavor of Lumpia very well.

Making pan de sal is pretty easy – just add some yeast to flour and salt, then add water and sugar until you get a smooth dough.

Then, flatten pieces of dough into thin discs and fry them in hot oil until they’re golden brown.

After that, just dip the pan de sal in some condensed milk or honey before serving.

Conclusion

Lumpia is a tasty Filipino appetizer that goes great with many side dishes.

This list is just some of the best, but there are plenty more options out there.

Lumpia is good as an appetizer or as a light meal on its own, so it’s easy to find something that pairs well with it.

What do you think? Do you agree with the list? What other side dishes do you like to serve with Lumpia?

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